Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Gerry Adams extends sympathy to family of former Omagh Councillor Barney McAleer

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has extended "deepest sympathy and
condolences" to the family of former Omagh Sinn Féin Councillor Barney
McAleer who was buried today.

Mr Adams attended the Funeral in Loughmacrory in County Tyrone along with
the Party's General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin and senior figures from
throughout the party, including all ten Sinn Féin Councillors on Omagh
District Council. West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty gave the oration.

Mr. Adams said:

"I want to extend to Barney's wife Kathleen and their three children Declan,
Orla, and Sheena the deepest sympathy and condolences of Irish republicans
everywhere.

"Barney served two terms as a Sinn Féin Councillor on Omagh District
Council. The turnout at his funeral was a testimony to the high regard in
which he was held. He was a quiet, soft spoken but very effective and
committed Sinn Féin representative who never shirked his responsibilities or
hard work.

"Several years ago he became ill but never once did he allow his illness to
get him down. This May he decided not to stand again for the Council because
of his illness but his efforts and those of his colleagues saw Sinn Féin
emerge with ten seats on Omagh Council.

"Barney was a keen GAA activist and was well known within Tyrone GAA
circles. His death is a tragic loss for his family and for the republican
struggle". ENDS